There are some clothes that are usually associated with one gender or the other. Even though it could be tempting to write off the distinction between men’s and women’s running shoes as a marketing ploy, history shows that men and women have very distinct needs for running. Subsequently, there are several ergonomic benefits to women’s running shoes that might substantially help men who are struggling to find the right fit.
Over the years, women have aggressively explored the advantages of designs tailored to males, but the same has been stigmatized for men. So, instead of constraining strict gender barriers, it’s time men invade the women’s shoe section for a better running experience. This article outlines the major advantages that running sneakers for women can have for men.
The Shape:
The width of the shoe is the main distinction between men’s and women’s running shoes. Women’s shoes are designed differently from men’s shoes to reflect the differences in foot shapes between the sexes. The forefoot and toe areas in women’s running shoes are wider, and the heel is smaller. Women’s shoes may be more comfortable for men with smaller heels and wider forefoot.
The Q-Angle:
The Q-angle is the angle at which the quadriceps muscle incidences the kneecap. Women typically have larger hips than men, resulting in greater Q-angles. If the inner and outer ball of the foot moves along with the heel bone, it can lead to a condition called pronation.
When you overpronate, your foot almost totally pushes off and fails to distribute shock adequately. Underpronation happens when the weight of your foot cannot be transferred, forcing the outside of the foot to bear most of the weight.
Women’s shoes frequently have a different midsole or outsole material than men’s shoes to avoid serious injuries by pronation. For men with overpronation, women’s running shoes can prove to be a cheaper alternative.
The Weight:
Women often weigh less than males of similar height and shoe size because they have 15% less muscle mass than men. To compensate for the lack of weight, women’s shoes are designed to sustain 15 percent less impact. Because of this, the midsole of women’s shoes is typically lighter and softer than that of men’s shoes.
Additionally, although flex grooves are carved into the forefoot of men’s and women’s shoes, women’s shoes usually feature substantially deeper grooves. The midsole’s softness affects how much protection and cushioning it provides. If you want extra cushioning and protection without added expenses, women’s running shoes are the best option.
The Price:
If you’re an average consumer looking for sneakers, you should expect to pay a little extra if you’re a man. In a study that examined multiple brands, it was discovered that, within each brand, the median price for men’s shoes is marginally more than the median price for women. This was true, particularly for several of the high-end brands that cost more for men.
Since the athletic shoe industry is hyper-focused on male consumers, their products are also rated higher for increased profit margins. If you are just starting your workout journey, you should invest in a pair of women’s shoes before upgrading to more specific men’s running shoes.
Final Thoughts:
It can be beneficial and enjoyable to challenge gender preconceptions. It’s possible for someone to discover that the shoe belonging to the other gender fits them better if they have a broader or narrower foot depending on the gender. While we advised males to utilize the alternatives in the women’s aisle, ladies can also benefit from doing so.
